Face creams banned for containing poisons

Face creams banned for containing poisons

thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Three cosmetic products have been banned for containing scheduled poisons.

Tati Skincare Night Cream has mercury while hydroquinone and tretinoin have been found in Tati Skincare Treatment Cream and Moleek Anti Pigmentation Cream.

“All sellers and distributors are warned to stop the sale and distribution of these products immediately,” said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah yesterday.

Consumers are advised to stop using the products and to seek the advice of healthcare professionals if they experience any unpleasant effect from their use.

Dr Noor Hisham warned in a statement that exposure to mercury could cause damage to kidneys and the nervous system.

“It may also interfere with the development of the brain in unborn babies and infants,” he said.

Dr Noor Hisham said products with hydroquinone and tretinoin must be registered with the Drug Control Authority and could only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Hydroquinone can cause skin redness, discomfort, discolouration and hypersensitivity.

It also inhibits the pigmentation process which reduces the skin’s ability to protect against harmful UV rays, increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Tretinoin on skin, Dr Noor Hisham said, could cause redness, discomfort, a stinging sensation, peeling and sensitivity to sunlight.